PUEBLO, Co. — Car thefts in Pueblo have seen a significant decline in recent months, according to data from the Pueblo Police Department (PD). In 2024, the number of stolen vehicles dropped by 30% compared to the previous year, reflecting a reduction of 576 thefts from 2023 figures. However, despite the decrease, car theft remains a concern for many residents.
Logan Oribello, a Pueblo resident who experienced the loss of his car, shared his story. “I went to bed one day and it was there, and woke up the next day and it was gone,” Oribello recalled. He had only recently moved to Pueblo and within a week of settling in, his car was stolen while parked on the street outside his home. “I didn’t expect to ever see it again,” he said, expressing his assumption that his vehicle had likely been taken to a larger city, like Denver, and sold off.
For Oribello, the emotional toll of the theft was immediate. “I certainly didn’t get any more sleep that night. I was not very happy about it,” he said. While many residents, like Oribello, have turned to social media to share their own experiences with car theft, the Pueblo Police Department has made strides in addressing the issue.
In 2024, Pueblo PD’s efforts resulted in the recovery of 167 stolen vehicles, valued at over $1.6 million. The department’s dedicated auto theft unit, working in collaboration with the Colorado Auto Theft Prevention Authority (CATPA), conducted targeted operations for 47 of the 52 weeks of the year. These operations led to 135 arrests, with 93 individuals having outstanding warrants. Additionally, 68 people faced new charges, including motor vehicle theft, and 16 guns and illegal narcotics were recovered.
For Oribello, the efforts of local law enforcement paid off when his car was recovered three weeks after being stolen—just five minutes from where it was taken. “It’s definitely relieving to me that I don’t have to worry about trying to get a new car or anything like that,” he said.
Despite the decline in car thefts, Pueblo PD is urging residents to remain vigilant and take precautions to protect their vehicles. Simple measures, such as parking in well-lit areas, locking doors, and not leaving valuables in plain sight, can make a difference in deterring thieves. However, authorities also emphasize the importance of reporting a stolen vehicle to Crime Stoppers or directly to Pueblo PD, rather than attempting to recover the vehicle independently.
The ongoing efforts by Pueblo PD and its partners have made a noticeable impact, but car theft remains a concern for some residents. The drop in thefts may provide some relief, but for those like Oribello, the experience of having a car stolen remains a haunting reminder of the vulnerability many feel when it comes to their property.
To report a stolen vehicle, residents are encouraged to contact Pueblo PD’s non-emergency number at (719) 553-2502 or to reach out to Crime Stoppers for assistance.
